This week, the Ifakara Health Institute’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) team is engaging with researchers in an ethical research training program at the Institute’s branch office in Ifakara. Running from March 11 to 14, the initiative aims to enhance awareness of ethical research practices, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and the IRB system.

Lead facilitators—Principal Research Scientist Dr. Mrisho, along with Irabi Kassim and Baraka Kanungila—are guiding participants through discussions on research misconduct, preventive strategies, and responsible research conduct. Attendees include Ifakara researchers, students, project leaders, and non-scientist staff.

The IRB team will extend the training to peripheral facilities within Ifakara before proceeding to Ifakara offices in Bagamoyo and Dar es Salaam, to ensure a broader reach. These sessions allow for tailored discussions that address specific ethical concerns across different research areas.

As the first official ethical awareness training organized by the IRB team, this initiative aligns with Ifakara’s 2023-2028 strategic focus on strengthening research integrity and governance. By fostering a culture of ethical awareness and adherence to international research standards, Ifakara continues to enhance its contributions to public health research and impact.